Police hunt $1m sapphire

The sapphire is not much larger than a one cent coin

Detectives are trying to track down a sapphire worth more than $1m which was stolen in a burglary in central London.

The unique sapphire had been brought over from the United States by its Russian-born owner who had hoped to sell it in London.

But the gem, worth around £790,000, and a £38,000 diamond necklace were stolen from a safe at publishing company Moving Picture's offices in Chitty Street, off Tottenham Court Road.

The premises were ransacked during the weekend of 9 and 10 August, but police have delayed publicising the theft for "personal reasons".

The jewels are family heirlooms and the owner, who had hoped to wear the necklace to her own wedding later in August, is said to be devastated at the loss.

The sapphire is described as a 120 carat, dark blue oval, mixed-cut stone.

Detective Sergeant Colette Smyth of Kentish Town's burglary squad said: "We believe that this sapphire is unique, there is no other like it in the world."

The diamond necklace has a floral design on it and is set in white gold.